For many young people in the Philippines, securing a stable job can be difficult. Around 40% are employed in the informal economy, where work is often uncertain and incomes can be low. For decades, the Salesians of Don Bosco have responded by providing technical and vocational training that equips young people with practical skills and industry-relevant qualifications. From automotive and mechanical trades to hospitality, agriculture and information technology, these Salesian training centres help young people gain the skills they need to find meaningful work.
This work is coordinated through the Don Bosco One TVET Network (DB1TVET), a network of 27 Salesian and partner vocational training centres across the Philippines. The centres are spread across the country’s three main island groups: Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao.
Each year, more than 13,000 young people from disadvantaged backgrounds access training through the network. The impact is clear: more than 90% of graduates go on to employment or self-employment, creating brighter futures for themselves and their families.
One person whose life has been shaped by Salesian vocational education is Hannah Jane Branzuela. She first came to a Salesian training centre hoping to gain additional qualifications but found something more. Inspired by the determination of fellow trainees and the opportunities vocational education can create, she chose to remain at Don Bosco and now works as a machining instructor, helping train the next generation of young people.
Through the strength of the network and the commitment of local Salesian communities, thousands of young Filipinos are gaining the skills, confidence and opportunities they need to build a brighter future.
